Chapter 72: The Return of Hibiki?

The waters of the Pacific were calm as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the fleet of Kanmusu patrolling the area. Among them were a few newer faces, recently commissioned and eager to prove their worth in battle. But there were also some familiar ones, veterans who had been through countless battles and emerged victorious.

As they sailed on, a shadowy figure suddenly emerged from the depths, causing the Kanmusu to ready their weapons in anticipation. But as the figure drew closer, they were shocked to see that it was Hibiki, one of their own.

At first, the Kanmusu were hesitant to believe their eyes. Hibiki had disappeared months ago, and many had assumed she had been lost in battle. But here she was, seemingly unscathed and looking like an Abyssal.

Some of the newer Kanmusu were quick to sound the alarm, fearing that this was some sort of trick by the enemy. But the veterans, who had fought alongside Hibiki before, knew better.

"She's not an Abyssal," said one of them, a battleship who had fought in the same fleet as Hibiki. "I'd recognize her anywhere. That's our Hibiki."

The others looked at each other uncertainly, but slowly lowered their weapons as Hibiki drew closer. She looked just as surprised as they did, but there was a determined look in her eyes that spoke volumes.

"Welcome back, Hibiki," said the battleship, a hint of emotion in her voice. "We thought we'd lost you."

Hibiki smiled faintly, relieved to see some familiar faces among the fleet. "I'm sorry for worrying you all," she said. "I had some... things to take care of."

The other Kanmusu were still wary, but they could see that Hibiki wasn't making any sudden moves. They relaxed a little, but kept a watchful eye on her as they continued to sail.

It was clear that Hibiki had a lot of explaining to do, but for now, the Kanmusu were content to simply have her back. They knew that whatever had kept her away had been important, and they respected her too much to press for answers right away.

As they sailed into the sunset, the Kanmusu couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of hope. If Hibiki could come back from the brink of defeat, then maybe there was still a chance for them to turn this war around.